Benefits of 2D & 3D Animated Videos in Advertising

Benefits of 2D & 3D Animated Videos in Advertising

Brands use various means to promote their services or products.

Marketing strategies evolve and change continuously. As times change, it is essential to realise that brands must change alongside their audiences.

Because of the comprehensive technology available today, 3D animated videos have emerged. From these changes to the digital world, brands have more freedom and options to choose from through 3D animation video services.

Videos have become a staple form of promotion.

If not a real-life edited video, brands can choose to market their resources in fictional forms, which include 2D and 3D animations. However, the question remains, “Which should I choose for my marketing campaigns?”

Keep reading to find out the answer.

Animated Video Advertisements

Animated video advertisements are a marketing strategy by brands using animated videos and elements to showcase their products or services.

These videos are very different from your regular advertisements and have gained traction because of their effect. Animated advertisements are beautiful, relevant, and engaging to the audience.

Brands today have started implementing animations in their marketing campaigns, allowing them to become more versatile. In a survey, 86% of interviewed marketing professionals said they use videos to enhance sales and reach a larger audience.

They claim that videos allow users to drive traffic to their websites. 78% of them accepted that videos helped them see an immediate sales increase. This shows us that videos, as a concept, do better than simple static images.

Recent studies further back up these findings with even more eye-opening numbers. In 2024, Wyzowl's State of Video Marketing report revealed that 91% of businesses now use video as a marketing tool, up from 85% in 2022.

The growth is not surprising when you look at the results. A whopping 95% of video marketers reported that video has helped increase user understanding of their product or service.

What's even more striking is how much better people remember video content compared to text. Forbes research shows viewers retain 95% of a message when watching it in a video, but only 10% when reading the same message as text.

These numbers make it clear why animated videos have become such a powerful tool for advertisers looking to make a lasting impression.

This also tells us that the world and strategies are evolving.

What used to work before doesn't necessarily work now. It is imperative to adapt to these changes to witness success. Brands have to change with their audiences to stay relevant and trendy. People change and have differing opinions.

As a brand, you should do adequate research on your target audience and see what interests them. One of the main components that drive an audience is animated video advertisements. Let's see how they shape marketing tactics today:

What Are 2D Animated Videos?

2D animated videos are animation styles entirely made in a two-dimensional space. This video may look like a normal cartoon movement as the animation has no realistic tones transferred into it.

These types of animations have almost a formulaic way of moving and speed. These are usually computer-generated or hand-drawn. The central aspect of 2D animation styles is that the animation is flat and does not offer more realistic dimensions in the video.

As this animation style is flat, the effort goes into making the characters, images, and settings more lively and creative. 2D animations are often used for marketing, business, or educational purposes to guide viewers to their objectives. 2D animations are measured in height and width.

These animated videos can seem smooth and flawless with a series of frames and cuts. Marketing videos that use this animation often use a more friendly approach because of the 2D images.

Cartoons such as Disney's Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty used to be animated in 2D. The video was flat and did not offer much to the imagination. People could frame various animations and compile them together to make them smoother.

What Are 3D Animated Videos?

3D animated videos have a clear difference from 2D videos. The images, elements, and objects used in the advertisements have more depth.

Because they are 3D, they have a breadth, width, and length to the elements. They seem more realistic than 2D animations and can give off a more authentic advertisement approach.

That is ultimately more engaging to the viewer because of the movements they provide to the objects and elements involved in the video. They rotate and turn like any object would in real life. This transition to the digital world has made a staggering difference in the design world.

The designs are made from 3D animation software. People can put different dimensions to the video or logo, making it more attractive and appealing to the audience.

3D animation has started to enter the digital world through movies and games. After the release of Toy Story in 1995, the first 3D animated movie to be released by Pixar, it gained traction.

It was often the blueprint for making movies seem more realistic and appealing to the audience. This is because people found 3D animated films and graphics more engaging as they offered more layers to their designs.

Therefore, companies have adopted the strategy and transformed their videos into more animated ones, allowing people to view their designs more attentively.

The Process Of Making Animations

You can make animations in different ways. There are several animation services that people can choose from for their animations.

It's important to know which animating service works best for you. Animations are made by professional designers who understand how to control the facilities the service provider provides.

Some 3D animation video services have various options and controls that people can use to develop their animated videos further. It is imperative to understand that only some providers will offer the same commands and options as others.

Usually, animated videos were made by specific makers. With the introduction of animated videos, many video editing and graphic design services expanded to include animating facilities.

One of the most popular video editing and visual design tools, Canva, allows people to make animated videos. Although Canva doesn't let people make their designs from scratch, the elements and tools they provide can be more engaging and easier to manage.

Other services like Adobe After Effects differ from other animation makers.

It lets animators make their designs and videos from scratch. People can develop their ideas through frames and cutscenes. People make smooth animations and compile the scenes into a whole video, and this happens.

After Effects is a complete video editing and graphic design tool that helps transform static objects and elements into full videos or graphics. Professional designers understand how to create and develop their graphics through different mediums, such as Adobe After Effects, to make the final product pop out even more.

How To Prepare For A 2D Animation Advertisement?

2D animations require different steps to provide you with your final animated video. You can make 2D animations from different media or various means. You can make these animations from scratch or by using an existing template.

This will help you to set the narrative for your 2D animation. It depends on your skill level or how you want to develop your story.

Here are a few steps to making your 2D animation:

Create a storyboard:

Every advertisement requires a narrative that you use to promote your product or service. A storyboard is needed for you to understand how your video will proceed. When you create a storyboard, you can implement your ideas in chronological order, thus staying up-to-date and organised in your mission.

With proper scripting and ideas, you will gain more effort, time, and money because you will need clarification about your objective. A storyboard will outline each plot section and develop a straightforward narrative for you to follow. This is essential to making a cohesive 2D animated video.

You can find storyboard templates or make them yourself.

Remember, this will create a visual structure for you to follow, and you will be able to know how your animations should perform. In this step, You should highlight the text, script, settings, and music to have a great video.

Pick the software:

Software is essential for you to make your video animated advertisement. Different software has various levels of difficulty. You can choose from several existing platforms that can make your video better.

Platforms like Canva already help you with most of the work as they offer you pre-made designs and templates. You can use this to test the basics and get inspiration.

Insert still images:

The trick to making an outstanding 2D animated video is to start with still images. This helps you to make your story seem more concise and in order. The organisation that you provide in the story has to be immaculate.

By working with still images, in the beginning, you can lay down a firm foundation that brings the video to life.

You can quickly sort through different elements and arrange them in whichever order you like. With this, you can envision your desired video and make the necessary changes. Doing this will help you save time and effort.

If you plan on using templates as your core design frame, you can select your favourite template and use it as a drive to complete your advertisement's narrative.

Popular 2D Animation Software Tools

When it comes to creating 2D animations, choosing the right software can make all the difference in your final product. Several industry-standard tools have emerged as favourites among professional animators.

Adobe Animate, formerly known as Flash, remains one of the most widely used platforms for web animations and interactive media. It offers a complete toolkit for vector animations and is particularly good for character animation and interactive content.

Toon Boom Harmony stands as the industry standard for traditional animation studios. Many television shows and feature films use this software for its powerful rigging systems and natural drawing tools.

For animators looking for a natural feel to their work, TVPaint offers exceptional brush simulation capabilities. This software excels at creating animations that mimic traditional hand-drawn techniques.

Not ready to invest in expensive software? Synfig Studio provides a free, open-source alternative that's perfect for beginners. While it lacks some advanced features, it offers a solid foundation for learning animation basics.

Each of these tools comes with its own learning curve and price point. Beginners might start with Synfig Studio or Adobe Animate, while professional studios often rely on Toon Boom Harmony for complex projects.

The choice ultimately depends on your specific needs, budget, and the style of animation you want to create for your advertising campaign.

How You Can Develop Your 3D Animation Video

3D animated videos behave very differently from 2D videos. They must be altered and made in a way that is entirely foreign to a 2D animation technique.

You must learn more advanced skills and tools to make a great 3D animated video for your advertisement.

Regarding 3D animations, you must understand the steps and details that make a massive difference to your promotion campaign.

Let's see how you can develop your 3D animated video advertisement the proper way:

Storyboarding:

All videos and advertisements need to be perfectly curated before the design stage. Storyboarding helps the designer understand what to add and what the final product should look like.

Storyboards act as guides as they tell you what to expect and how you should work. When you adopt the skill of making storyboards, you can work more seamlessly and allow the designer a cohesive outline to work on.

It also behaves as a pre-visualiser and offers deep insight into how your advertisement video would look at the end of each design stage.

You can discuss and change things according to your wishes and give valuable feedback to the designer. Doing this can eliminate faults and waste of time and effort. Storyboards also include your video's initial storyline, concept, and script.

Modelling:

Unlike 2D animations, you must model 3D videos for the best results. Modelling gives a deep look into what the 3D objects would look like.

Since 3D animations include layered shapes and sizes and a realistic take on the objects, you must be sure they fit your video's mould and idea.

Modelling lays down the initial framework, and you have to decide on the mathematical structures of the shapes and designs.

3D shapes such as cuboids, cones, and pyramids must be designed and measured bytheir vertices and faces. These are then put into a grid and made into complete and stable 3D objects.

Adding Textures:

When animating 3D shapes and objects, you must ensure that you add texture to your design. This will give you an outer layer that will make your thing complete. The design given to the elements has to be dictated by the texture you give.

You have to be sure that your 3D object looks realistic and plausible. This includes giving skin, colour grading, and dimensions to the element. This will make your video look even better, as people can see different layers and motions in your animation videos.

Rigging & Skinning:

Rigging refers to the boning and skeletal figure of your characters and objects. This will help outline your character's figure and help you establish a base for your character's total look.

Rigging is critical as it can set the tone for your advertisements. Improper rigging can make surfaces and objects look wonky and out of place. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the rigging aspect of the process is done beautifully and adequately.

Skinning is putting the character's skin on the skeletal figure, thus giving it a proper shape and outline.

When this stage is upon you, you must ensure the skin matches the initial skeletal figure and fits appropriately. This is how you create the objects and figures that come to life in your video.

Animation:

After all these steps, you can fully animate your video according to your storyboard and the dimensions you laid out in the beginning. Animation requires much depth, thought, and skill to be done correctly.

Hire professional designers and animators who can help evolve your story accordingly. You can finally have your 3D animated video with the right tools and effort.

Popular 3D Animation Software Tools

Creating stunning 3D animations requires powerful software tools. The market offers several options, each with distinct advantages for different advertising needs.

Autodesk Maya stands as the industry standard for 3D animation in film and television. Most major studios use Maya for its comprehensive toolset and flexibility. While powerful, it comes with a steep learning curve and a higher price tag.

Blender has transformed the 3D animation landscape as a free, open-source alternative. Once considered just for hobbyists, it now packs features that rival premium software. Many advertising agencies now use Blender to create professional-quality animations without the hefty license fees.

Cinema 4D has carved out a niche in motion graphics and advertising. Its relatively gentle learning curve makes it popular for agencies that need quick turnaround times. The software excels at creating sleek, modern animations perfect for product showcases.

For character-focused advertisements, ZBrush offers top-notch digital sculpting capabilities. This specialised tool helps create incredibly detailed characters and objects that feel lifelike and engaging.

The choice between these tools often comes down to project requirements, team expertise, and budget constraints. Larger agencies might use Maya or Cinema 4D, while smaller teams might leverage Blender's cost-effectiveness without sacrificing quality.

Many professionals use a combination of these tools to maximise efficiency and creative possibilities in their advertising campaigns.

Benefits Of 2D Animations

When it comes to 2D animations, they have different sets of benefits that allow them to be made, even to this day. You can use it for other purposes and ideas.

Here are free advantages to making 2D animated videos for your advertisement:

Low Cost:

2D animations are easier and cheaper to produce than 3D animations. They are more straightforward to build and make it more accessible for regular designers.

When creating 3D animations, you need to hire skilled and professional designers who can take the time to make your advertisement.

With 2D animations, you don't have to spend much money and time to craft a visually appealing 2D animated video campaign for your marketing strategy.

Delivers A Consistent Message:

Because 2D animated videos are easy to produce, it makes it simpler for designers to create a clear and cohesive video.

The storyboard is not very complicated and becomes more accessible for the designer to transform into a video. You can maintain the tone of the 2D animated video throughout the video and use different ideas to fuel your narrative.

Faster Delivery:

2D animations require less time and effort to produce. When this happens, designers can meet deadlines more quickly and efficiently. If you want a video quickly for your advertisement campaign, you can invest in 2D animated videos as they use up less time than 3D animations.

Benefits Of 3D Animations

3D animations have a special feeling, making them distinguishable from 2D animations. Look at the benefits it brings to designers and the brand itself:

Captures Attention:

3D animations look very different from standard 2D videos. When you make a great 3D animated video for your campaign, you have the chance to create realistic motions which can automatically bring eyes to the screen. The human eye immediately captures movements and is attracted to visual motions.

3D animations, because of their more realistic grading and colour schemes, allow people to stay fixated on the video. The smooth movements and agility of the objects on the screen make it aesthetically pleasing to see.

Improves Engagement:

Engagement is essential when it comes to attracting a group of people. Engagement refers to the acts performed to excite your audience to be more aware of your brand.

It helps to increase brand relevance and likeability. You can reach a broader audience by adopting 3D animations to your ad campaigns.

3D animations were created due to technology's evolving state. People change over time and begin to expect more user-friendly functions in each brand. 3D animations show that you are willing to adapt and change alongside your audience and keep in touch with their needs and interests.

Save Time & Money:

Time and money are essential to the business, especially regarding marketing campaigns. It is harder to save these variables when operating on 2D animated videos. 3D animations allow designers to devote their energies to updating and correcting mistakes as it becomes easier.

Understanding how you can effectively save your resources while working on 3D animated videos is crucial. Without disrupting the video's flow, you can carefully make the necessary changes, thus making the project more cost-effective.

Creates An Experience:

3D animations give off a different experience than 2D animated videos. You can enjoy the video more as you see visually appealing objects and elements added to the video.

3D animations allow the viewer to feel more immersed in the video and relate to the story as the visuals become more realistic. This ultimately creates a close bond between the brand and the consumer, making your project successful.

Mobile Optimisation for Animated Advertisements

With over 75% of all video plays happening on mobile devices according to eMarketer, optimising your animated advertisements for smartphones and tablets isn't optional anymore.

File size matters tremendously for mobile viewers. Keeping your animations under 1MB can dramatically improve loading times and prevent users from scrolling past before your message even appears. Each second of loading time increases the bounce rate by about 20%.

2D animations typically require less processing power and bandwidth than their 3D counterparts. This makes them sometimes more suitable for mobile-first campaigns where loading speed is a top priority.

However, that doesn't mean 3D animations can't work well on mobile. By optimising polygon counts and texture sizes, skilled animators can create lightweight 3D content that runs smoothly even on older devices.

Responsive design principles apply to animations, too. Your video should automatically adapt to different screen sizes and orientations without losing impact or clarity. Testing on multiple devices before launch can prevent unpleasant surprises.

Auto-play policies differ across platforms. While some social media apps play videos automatically, others require user interaction. Design your animation with both scenarios in mind, ensuring the first frame is attention-grabbing enough to encourage that important tap.

Sound considerations also matter greatly. Most mobile users watch videos with sound off, especially in public settings. Adding subtitles or ensuring your animation communicates effectively without audio can significantly increase engagement rates.

By keeping these mobile-specific factors in mind, your animated advertisements can reach and engage the growing audience of mobile-first users who might otherwise miss your message.

Conclusion

2D and 3D animation are vastly different from each other. Each has its pros and cons, which brands can choose for themselves. If you want a more friendly and approachable tone for your video advertisement, you can opt for 2D animations to drive that particular narrative.

The visuals it provides are incredibly alluring and can make a huge difference in your marketing strategy. When it comes to 3D animated videos, they have a more mature and realistic take, which makes them relatable to a more thoughtful eye.

So, as a brand, you need to be aware of the variables and judge your selection on them. You must see the advantages and disadvantages you can overcome in your brand's promotion period.